That’s the question asked by a new Gallup study.

If you read this blog much, you probably know that I think legislating behavior is a really, really bad idea. It usually doesn’t work, and on most non-ethical matters, it is generally a failure to treat people with dignity and respect. It is, in other words, parental. It is failing to treat employees like adults, which is far more significant issue than whether the policy is intended for employee’s “well being” or not.

So, what does the Gallup research say?

When you read the first page, it initially sounds like employees would be better off if employers did ban work email after work hours.

But then if you continue reading, you see that this conclusion results from a superficial look at the findings which fails to take into account employee engagement. 

Employee engagement is one of the most important things to manage for, and it is a wonderful thing that the Gallup study has, once again, born this out. If you have engaged employees, most other issues that companies often try to “fix” through intrusive and byzantine policies go away.

Here’s the gist of their conclusion:

These findings suggest that workers will view their company’s policy about mobile technology through the filter of their own engagement. Thus, instead of tinkering with their policies, companies would be better off developing a strategy to engage more of their employees.

And it’s worth reading the whole thing.